CARSON, IOWA

It was over 130 years ago that the first white people came to this area. Before that time the Pottawattami, Ottawa, and Chippewa Indian Tribes roamed the land.

In 1853 a land office was opened in Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, where people could buy land from the government. Prior to that, any settler, who came to this area and wanted to live here, put up squatter’s notice and cleared the land for their use.
That same year, a mill was erected by Joseph Losh on the west side of the Nishna Botna River, west of the town’s present location. Here wheat was ground into flour and corn ground into meal then shipped as far away as England. During the Civil War, a four- horse team was used in hauling flour to Council Bluffs, where it was sold for a high price. The mill was shown on the early maps as a land mark.

Several families built homes on the hill near the mill. There was a store, post office, and school on the hill, farther west. The mail was routed from Glenwood to Avoca. Gradually, people began building on the east side of the river.

The Burlington and Rock Island railroads reached Carson in 1880. The first passengers and freight were unloaded in a field until a depot was built a short time later.
The railroads brought about the plans for a new town that year and it was named Carson, after a railroad officer. The town was incorporated in 1881, population 240.

The first bank in town, "The Trader’s Bank", was established in 1882 and located on the northeast corner of Main Street. A year later the Bank of Carson was opened. There was a Cattleman’s Bank for a short time. At the present time, Carson has one bank, a branch of the Council Bluffs Savings Bank.

Large circuses visited the town. When the Gallner Brothers Circus came to town, it arrived with 2 advance railroad cars and 21 cars on another train. They paid $500 in silver half-dollars and dollars to Station Agent, Elmer E. Pigg. The crowd was estimated 7,500.

Some of the earliest settlers were the Hookers. Dee Hooker, with his brother Ed, started a garage business north of Broadway. They were the first to make cement sidewalks in 1903. The brothers set out trees around the schoolhouse and in various other places in town. The Hooker brothers also helped with the first electric lighting. The first electricity was produced by a Fairbanks-Morse engine which used a torch and not a battery. Later a larger engine was acquired and maintained by Bob McKee.

At one time there were three elevators in Carson.

W. J. Way put in the first telephone system and the dial system was installed in 1947.

Carson was on the regular Chatauqua circuit. Many notable speakers and musicians were heard.

Theatre shows and movies were shown in the old opera house, located on the northeast part of Broadway. When “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was playing here, the actors arrived on the train and O. W. Hodges led the hounds, which were to be used in the play, from the depot to the opera house.
The first theatre was started by Frank Smith in 1821 and was called the Cozy Theatre. Later it was renamed the Dreamland. The first films were silent, with music furnished by an electric player piano. Talkies came to the theatre in 1928. Harold Smith operated the theatre for many years. In 1958, the Commercial Club purchased the theatre and the Businessmen continue to operate it.

In 1884 the population was 600. Also accumulated were 28 cattle, 81 horses, 5 mules, and 16 swine. The real estate assessed valuation was $43,140.

The first child born in Carson was the daughter of the Dr. Miller’s in 1899.

Carson had at least three different hotels at various times. The last one to be torn down was the Bloom Hotel on the southwest corner of Broadway.

The first newspaper, The Carson Fairdealer, lasted about a year. "The Carson Criterion" was started in 1881 and later was called the "Carson Critic". Later it was sold to Frank G. Weeks, who operated the paper for 45 years. Reginald Hendrix owned and operated the "Carson Times" for 25 years.

The business places on Broadway burned July 6, 1889, and were rebuilt that winter of brick made at a local plant. In November, 1894, the south side was destroyed by fire, and it also was replaced with brick structures.

There were five churches----Methodist, Presbyterian, Reorganized Latter Day Saint, Christian, and Catholic----two of which have been discontinued. The Christian Church was torn down and the Catholic Church moved to a location on Highway 92.

A bedspring factory operated for a two year duration and later became a skating rink.

A circular island in the center of a bayou near the south river bridge was used as a park. One could swim or boat around it. In the winter it was used for an ice skating rink. A smallpox colony was once isolated on the small island.

10 acres of ground was donated to the town by Alva Burton, in the late 1800’s for the Carson cemetery.

Charles Kettlewell owned and operated the Drug Store for many years and was joined in the operation by Jim Hillman.

Four lodges, the Modern Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias have been discontinued.

A gas explosion in 1953 destroyed the Putnam Hardware, Mikesell Locker, and Husz Pool Hall. Darrell Johnson, a high school senior, was killed in the blast.

The Nishna Valley Medical Center was built in 1959 at a cost of $37,500. Due to the lack of a doctor, the building has now been remodeled into a apartment house.

The City Hall was built in 1962 at the time that Frank McKee was mayor.
The Millstone Park was established here in 1974. The land is leased from Lynn Sowers and is maintained by the three Federated Clubs and volunteers. A millstone from the Losh Mill, which had been moved to the lawn of the school, is now located at the gate to the park.

The population of Carson, according to the last census is 756. The assessed taxable value is $3,827,743 and the agriculture land at $68,871.

Two additions, the Placek and Allen have been added in the last few years.

The Carson-Macedonia-Henderson-Ambulance

In 1973-74 the Carson, Henderson, Macedonia communities were fortunate enough to obtain a well equipped ambulance to provide a much needed service.

In 1977, fifteen persons in the community were qualified as Emergency Medical Technicians under the standards set out by the Iowa State Health Dept. Those persons now certified and serving on Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept. are: Loren Cole,Melvin Easton, Charles Henderson, Lewis Houser, Brycee Lee, Merrill Lett, David Murry, Terry Pullen, Don Tye, Don McDaniel, Dick Achenbaugh. Four women who have certified: Janyce Lee, Jane Murray, Joan Scott and Kathy Thompkins.
During 1976 the Ambulance responded to 103 calls. Through donations from the community and communities the Ambulance has been well equipped and kept updated.

Carson Alumni Association

The first alumni banquet for Carson School graduates was held in 1905 in the Masonic Hall. The following is an excerpt from the records: "About 50 persons were present, consisting of the graduates from 1892 to 1905, with their husbands and wives and the present teachers of the school."

At 8:30 the guests assembled and a short time was spent with games. Childhood days were brought to mind when all joined in games of "Blind Man’s Bluff". "Drop the Handkerchief" and An Old- Fashioned Spelling School." After order was restored, an excellent program of music and readings was rendered with Clyde Johnson as Toastmaster. A banquet in the Methodist Church followed.

The organization disbanded in 1913 and for many years there was no alumni assoc. Then a meeting was held in 1937 of interested parties and Mrs. Mary Coons was appointed president and the organization was renewed, Duke Winger’s orchestra played at the dance at a coast of $22.50. The Ladies Aid charged 40 cents per plate for the dinner and the alumni members and guest were charged 75 cents.

In 1945 the members donated all the food for a lunch. Four ladies were hired to serve the food. This was during war time.

Miss Elosie Hotze was secretary for the organization from 1956 until her death in 1975.

For several years members of the 50, 25 and 10 year classes have been honored. A motion was passed in 1972 to donate money to preserve the Senior Class pictures and present the groupings to the school.

The B. H. B. Club

In January 1948, Mrs. Florence McKeel was inspired to organize a club whose members would be mothers of preschool children.

The purpose of the organization was to---Study the problems confronting the parents concerning their children—to furnish association and entertainment for the mothers.

Florence called together a group of ten mothers for an organization meeting. Officers were elected, a secret name was chosen for the club. A program meeting was appointed to plan a study and entertainment schedule for the year.

We have been an active club with good working members.

As the years have passed our members have changed. We have lost some members and have taken in new ones. This keeps our club interesting and entertaining. At the present time we have 19 members. Over the years the members have enjoyed family outings, such as picnics, tours, movies, plays and galloping Teas.

The Club has sponsored swimming and helped with the Blood Bank.
We’ve enjoyed many interesting guest speakers and Book reviews and parties through the years. Two of our best loved parties of the year are the Mothers Tea in May and the Husband’s Party in March. With our varied age group this keeps our club an on going unit.

B. W. Club

Early in the spring of 1940, Mrs. Julie Winans called a few women together with the idea of forming a Mother’s club. This was to be a social club for the mothers to exchange ideas on raising children and to let the children play together. After a few meetings the B. W. Club was officially formed July 1, 1949. The meetings were held on the first Friday of each month. Charter club members are: Irma Curts, Maxine Dennis, Velma Hackett, Audrey McKee, Iris McKee, Cleda Miller, Janice Palmer, and Julie Winans. Feb. 1, 1952 the meetings were changed to Friday evenings. The Club remains a social club current members include: Melzen Breakfield, Julaine Christians, Irma Curts, Lucille Damgaard, Irene Harrill, Edna Husz, Donna Love, Estalene Palmer, Beverly Phillips, Wauneta Paxson, Dixie Rose, Marilyn Todd, and Blanche Williams.

Coral Lodge No. 430, A. F. and A. M.

On Sept. 26, 1882 the Grand Lodge of Iowa granted a dispensation to open a Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. On June 16, 1883 the charter was presented to Coral Lodge No. 430 A. F. and A. M. by the Grand Lodge of Iowa. The following officers were elected and installed W. W. Gardner, Worshipful Master; S. M. Johnson, Senior Warden; J. W. Losh, Junior Warden; J. Z. Losh, Treasurer; and F. S. Thomas, Secretary. The meetings were held in the L.O.O.F. Hall. On Dec. 13, 1900 the Masons purchased this hall from Carson Lodge 444 I.O.O.F. subject to lease of the Opera House Co. Later the meeting day was changed to the first Thursday of each month and they still meet on this day. In 1961 Bro. Frank Bell was appointed as Jr. Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. A reception was held in his honor. In 1967 he was elected Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Iowa and on Nov. 18th another reception was held in his honor. In January 1971 Ruby Lodge No. 514 A.F. and A.M. of Macedonia consolidated with Coral Lodge No. 430 of Carson, keeping the name of Coral Lodge. These brothers have been working with zeal from that time. Many interesting events of history are to be found in this Lodge’s minute book.

Built 1882 Burned Thursday, Dec. 6, 1906

The author of this poem is unknown. It was found in Beulah Davis’ scrapbook, and evidently was written shortly after the Carson School house burned.

It was a cold February night in 1936, a time that everyone who was living in this area will probably never forget. The Earl Fenn family certainly will not, for it was this night that about fourteen invited guests came to play cards and stayed for three days and three nights. We had a great deal of snow and wind, and the roads around were closed from the drifts many times. The Carson School was closed for three weeks during this time, and our neighbors in Macedonia maintain that their school was closed for five or six weeks then. It was a clear Friday afternoon when the men several miles west of Carson got busy and opened the roads in the neighborhood with their homemade drags. This prompted Earl and Josephine Fenn to suggest a card party that evening in their home. Everyone agreed so the neighbors all jumped in their wagons and bobsleds and joined the Fenns, oblivious to the impending storm. Hicks Eggers came with Elvira and their two children, Eldon and Gladys. Irene and Henry Schneckloth braved the roads in their old Ford, which they didn’t get home for a month after that; Clarence Anderson was living on the present Maynard Peterson farm, a half mile east and he and Margaret came bringing their two children, Mary Ann and Ronnie. Osha and Clint Culbertson came down from the north where they lived in the Snapp place and brought their son, Ralph, who really came to see Marie. Earl and Josephine had their three children at home---- Earlin, Lois, and Marie, and their hired man, Charlie. Everyone was enjoying pinochle and pitch and all the good food that had been prepared for the festive occasion, too busy to notice that it had started snowing again and the wind was blowing a gale. Naturally no one wanted to brave the storm to go home, so they didn’t! They all stayed all night!. In fact most of them stayed until the following Monday morning. The children were bedded down, and people slept on the available beds and couches in shifts. Card games continued through the night.

We really had to improvise to make the food go round. The women baked bread until the flour barrel was empty. Josephine had canned many jars of beef that year, so we had delicious beef and noodles as the main fare. In the mornings we had cereal, bacon, eggs; and Josephine flipped many a pancake for those 19 hungry people.

The kids played the piano and sang and played games and probably got into everybody’s hair, but we all thought we were having a ball! Some of the men plodded through the waist-high drifts the next day to go home and tend to their chores, bringing back more food to add to the larder. The last ones left reluctantly on Monday after some of the roads were cleared. What a wonderful neighborhood ‘togetherness’ party to reminisce about! By Marie Fenn Eggers

CARSON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Information on the early history of the department is unavailable. There are records of 4 major fires----the total destruction of the north side and the south side business district, the Methodist Church, schoolhouse.

Serving as chief for several years prior to 1920 was Harry Pratt. Several residents recall the use of a hand-pulled hose cart being used during this era. The Elmer Pigg fire in March, 1919, was fought in sub-zero weather with the men freezing their hands in the wet gloves. A china cabinet full of glassware was carried out of the burning home without breaking a single item.

The first motorized truck was a 1927 Chevrolet and was housed just north of Broadway. In 1940 a Ford truck was purchased and kept in the old town building until the present City Hall and Fire House were built in 1963.

The Department belongs to Pottawattamie County Firemen’s Association, South West Iowa Firemen’s Mutual Aid Association (SWIFMAA), and Iowa State Firefighters Association. Danny Petersen served as secretary in 1975, Bruce Damgaard served as Vice President and President in 1974 and 1975 of SWIFMAA. Bruce Damgaard was elected 5th Vice President of Iowa State Association in September 1976, and will advance to President in September 1981. In 1977 John Boege was appointed to a 3-year term on the State Credentials Committee.

Five members—Kenneth L. Love, Bruce Damgaard, John Boege, Danny Petersen, Dale Cleaveland---earned Certified Firefighter I rank by the Iowa Fire Service in 1977.

There is one 32-year member, Everett Curts, and three who have served 20 or more years----Delbert Palmer, Lloyd Mertes, and Dwight Schroder.
Present equipment consists of three tankers, equipment van, grass fire fighters pickup, a 1954 Chevrolet antique parade truck and an inactive 1954 truck.

Many members and wives are active water-fighters. Since 1964, they have won a great many trophies and prize money which was used for the department.
Several members are in various stages of training and are qualified First Aiders.

HALF CENTURY AS DRUGGIST

Charles L. Kettlewell, of Carson Iowa was a druggist in Carson more than a half century. In his files were over 15,000 prescriptions.

He came to Carson when the town was in its infancy and only 11 years after the Burlington Railroad extended its line there.

When he arrived, the town got its water supply from the old town well located in the middle of main street. He carried water from the well to his store. An old fashioned heater used at the drug store, often was pressed into service by doctors when they performed operations at rural homes. Many medicines used then are now obsolete, while serums and vitamins were unknown.

Mr. Kettlewell studied pharmacy at the University of Iowa, and came to Carson to assist W.H.Graff, a pioneer druggist. Later he took over the store after a fire which destroyed most of the stock.

Mr. Kettlewell believed the Nishnabotna valley to be the garden spot of Iowa; no other place in Iowa as large as this valley could be this good.

On May 9, 1880 the Rev. W. J. Beck, called together the members of the Methodist Class, Number five at the Pleasant Ridge schoolhouse, one mile east of Carson. This group organized the Methodist Episcopal Church of Carson.

At this time, the newly organized church, officially became a part of the Macedonia Circuit, consisting of Macedonia, Henderson and Pleasant View schoolhouse.

On May 10, the Rev. Beck was in consultation with Mr. Gardner, of the Rock Island Railroad, to select the ground for a church in Carson. Upon completion of the church and parsonage, dedication services were held February 5, 1882. This was the first church to be built in Carson limits.

The church was a wooden structure. Kerosene lamps that extended from the ceiling were used, and the church was heated with a stove. A wooden style was built in front of the church to allow the carriages to drive near so the ladies could step out without getting muddy when it rained. There was a stable on the grounds.

By 1885, the charge consisted of Macedonia, Carson, Pleasant View schoolhouse and Wheeler Grove chapel.

The first baptism was an adult at Losh’s Mill Lake.

In 1886, the stable was destroyed by fire. Several hogs and a large quantity of grain and hay were consumed. The horses were saved.

In 1897, the church and parsonage were destroyed by fire. O.S. Kennedy crawled in the church and saved the new altar Bible, getting out of the building just as the floor and one wall collapsed.

The new church which is of brick structure, with the beautiful stained glass windows, was dedicated September12, 1899.

In the early days there were many evangelical meetings. Many testimonials were given and there was much kneeling in prayer.

At one time the church had an orchestra, composed of twenty members, directed by Mrs. S.C. Ralston.

The first junior choir was organized in 1937, by Mrs. John Wood.

The new parsonage, with church school rooms underneath, was built in 1959, under the direction of Clarence Parker.

There are a homemade ice cream social and an auction-bazaar-dinner annually.

The present membership is two hundred and seventy-eight, and the Rev. Paul Pennington, is the pastor.

M. M. CLUB

In the summer of 1939 Gladys Smith, Virginia Winans, Corrine Price, Lois Bolton, Ferne Harvey and Louise Roberson met with Wilma Nisson of Walnut, Iowa, County President of the Federated Woman’s Club and Esther Brown of the Civic Club of Carson which became our mother club.

We organized and federated in September of 1939 as the first Junior Federated Club in Carson.

Our meetings were on the first and third Thursday of each month in the afternoons. The first few years our membership was limited to 12 and later changed to 20 which is our membership limit now.

In 1948 we changed from the Junior Club to our present name of the M.M. Club as we had all reached more than junior age.

During the 38 years as an organization we have sponsored many programs, talent shows. Mother-Daughter and Father-Son banquets. The proceeds going to the General Federation, and the rest used for the benefit of the community.

We also have a food stand and have floats for Carson Days. We have purchased and with the help of our husbands, placed four poles and flags on the town Boulevard which are displayed on special days.

Through the years we feel that our club has been an asset to the community and also to our own club members.

CARSON CHAPTER # 92 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

Some one hundred and fifteen years ago Robert Morris organized the first chapter of Eastern Star. We must pay our respects to the Masonic Order because without that institution there would be no Order of Eastern Star. The first meeting of Carson Chapter was held on Nov. 6,1890. There were 47 charter members when the Charter was granted Sept. 10, 1891. In 1966 the 75th anniversary was celebrated. At the present time there are 375 chartered surrendered their charter Oct. 14, 1964 and many members joined the Carson Chapter. In 1934 Mrs. Elsie Ralston Grand Representative. In 1940 Mrs. Velma Edic Campbell was a Page. In 1949-1950 Mrs. Esther Brown was appointed Grand Ruth. In 1966 Mrs. Mabyn Fender was a Page and in 1976-77 she appointed Grand Martha. The Chapter meets the second Tuesday of every month and there are 124 members at the present time.

Due to the death of their Prophet, Joseph Smith, in 1844, many of the Latter Day Saints scattered and a portion of the saints began a movement westward across Iowa. Having made winter quarters in Kanesville (now called Council Bluffs ) many found that they did not believe as Brigham Young and decided not to journey any farther westward and came back to settle in Macedonia and Wheeler Grove.

The "Farm Creek" branch was organized November 16, 1859, with 23 members. For various reasons, however, the branch declined until in 1866 it became disorganized. Prior to the branch’s disorganization, Calvin Beebe represented the branch at the Conference in Amboy, Illinois on April 6,1860 when the original Latter Day Saint Church was reorganized under the leadership of Joseph Smith III, son of the Prophet, Joseph Smith. The "Farm Creek" branch was reorganized April 29, 1868, with a church being built at a cost of $1725.00 and dedicated October 19, 1890. At a district conference early in the 1900’s prophecy was given in which it was said that "The branch would be scattered to the four winds and the house of God would become the habitation of animals." That we know has taken place as the branch disbanded in 1922 due to the scattering of the saints and the church building now serves as a barn.

The "Wheeler Grove" branch was organized April 29, 1862. A church was built in 1874 at a cost of $763,00 and by 1881 the membership had grown to 90. Joseph Smith III, then Prophet of the church, spoke at a reunion there in August of 1889. Because of the moving of many of the saints the branch was disorganized in 1894.

Due to the disbanding of the rural branch the "Carson" branch was organized in 1894 with Sunday School classes being held in members homes. The building was erected in 1896 on land donated by Frank Shinn (a non-member) and dedicated on September 5, 1897.

Among the older charter members of the branch were Ann Fenn, Myrtie Fenn, Mr.and Mrs. M. F. Elswick, Mrs. Marshall Elswick Tanner, Sarah Hotze, Laura Schenck, Clara Briggs, Samuel Wood, Daniel Hougas and many others.

In 1907 the church was struck by lightning. A light fixture hung over the pulpit where Brother Jonny Lentz was speaking and the lightning came through killing him instantly. It is said the lightning shot out his feet, burning holes in the soles of his shoes. Many others were knocked unconscious.

Many improvements and additions have been made to the church building due to the dedication of the saints.

In June of 1964 we became a part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Stake which consists of fourteen congregations.

The first pastor was Marion F. Elswick, and since serving as pastor have been T. A. Hougas, Hans C. Peterson, Marvin C. Darrington and Donald J. Wallis ( who is presently serving as Presiding Elder ). All of whom have been self-sustaining.

Each year we have the opportunity to work with other churches in the community for Union services on Good Friday, Easter sunrise services, World Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, with members and pastors of each church sharing in the services.

The Saints continue to grow through present day revelation and to testify to the Spirit membership is 91 with 11 priesthood. Our average weekly attendance is 45 for church school and 55 for the preaching service.